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The above 1975 photo was taken the day Governor Briscoe appointed Ken Clapp as his Executive Assistant in the Governor’s office at the State Capitol Building.
A Governor Remembered
The State of Texas has lost a “gentle” man of many accomplishments, within diverse fields of endeavor, that touched countless lives during his years of dedicated service to the State he loved: Dolph Briscoe, who served Texas at its highest elected position, was buried July 1 in the family cemetery on his ranch near Uvalde. A statewide memorial service will be held at the State Capitol Building in the near future.
Governor Briscoe was not only a personal friend but an example of integrity, honesty, and loyalty that to this writer, has never been equaled: It’s our plan to present an illustration of those unique qualities in today’s special column.
I first met Dolph Briscoe during my early teaching years in Uvalde (1950’s): That Southwest Texas community was headquarters for the Briscoe Ranch Company, then headed by the founder’s son, who had rapidly become a recognized leader in the land and cattle business. He also represented Uvalde (1949-57) in the Legislature: Co-authored the State’s Farm-to-Market road system.
At that point in time, and needing to supplement my $200 a month teaching salary, (married with three hungry sons), I worked nights, weekends and summers at the area’s only newspaper: The Uvalde Leader-News.
Briscoe and my editor-publisher were friends and through that association, a close bond was created between one of the wealthiest ranchers in Texas and (presumably) the poorest teacher-journalist on record: A friendship, that in 1972 resulted in taking a leave of absence (I was then Personnel Director for the Killeen ISD) to help my Uvalde friend run for Governor of Texas.
1972 PRIMARY:
WILD & WOOLY
The 1972 primary campaign, was an all-out battle between Governor Preston Smith and Lt. Governor Ben Barnes, two entrenched and scandal-scarred politicos (remember “Sharpstown?”): Against a field of five that included Briscoe; and the State’s leading firebrand - Frances (Sissy) Farenthold; plus three political unknowns - Robert Looney, William Posey and Gordon Wills.
Briscoe surprisingly led the pack and went on to defeat Farenthold in the runoff: Later, thanks to a strong rural vote, he “aced” Republican Hank Grover in the general election.
It also marked “the end” of the traditional assurance: “That winning the Democratic primary was ‘tantamount’ to election.”
ELECTION POSTSCRIPT
Governor Dolph Briscoe was inaugurated on January 16, 1973 and at that point asked this writer to remain in Austin as his Special Assistant: Been in politics ever since: When the political bug bites - you generally stay bitten!
BRISCOE AND BELL COUNTY
All of which brings us to a personalized story that deals with Bell County and a non-publicized event in Governor Briscoe’s chronicle: It began immediately after the first primary in 1972. Rancher Briscoe had upset the experts and the favorites (Barnes and Smith) and was preparing for the Farenthold runoff.
It was then we heard from several powerful Bell County Democratic leaders who had backed either Barnes or Smith, and were scurrying to keep close ties with the Governor’s Office, which prompted their call to the Uvalde campaign headquarters: They had a message for the man they “now” believed would be the next Governor.
I was dispatched to meet with the Bell leaders, who told me to “inform” candidate Briscoe that they’d support him “provided” he made some campaign personnel changes (i.e. dump some of our people for theirs).
They also “expected” their same State appointment “courtesies” and immediate access to the new Governor: Otherwise they’d take their support elsewhere. All said with a smile, but not a heartwarming one.
BRISCOE’S REPLY
The “requests” were duly reported: Briscoe asked my opinion. I told him the Bell Countians were serious and that they would work against him unless demands were met.
Briscoe nodded and with a broad smile - told me to call each one personally and tell them: “We’ll miss them.” He added: “Say nothing more, and nothing less.”
In the heat of a runoff election where a few votes might be the difference - that decision, based on loyalty and integrity, gave his staff and his supporters an inside look at a truly honorable man: And remained with this old political-hand ever since.
AND FINALLY........
I appreciate the opportunity to offer these farewell thoughts about a remarkable man who’s contributions, as a Legislator and Governor; together with his leadership role that permanently improved agriculture and ranching throughout our State and Nation: Have become, and will remain always, a selfless legacy from a devoted Texan.
Dolph Briscoe was a respected leader and a good friend. I shall miss him, as will all who knew him, throughout this great land that he loved so much, and served so well.
That’s -30-
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